Israel and EU agreed on "common aviation zone"

The agreement will allow companies from anywhere in the EU to fly directly to the Israel and vice versa with a gradual restriction on the number of weekly flights.

Israel and the European Union have finalized negotiations on a comprehensive aviation agreement - "common aviation zone".

The agreement will replace bilateral agreements with individual countries and companies within the E.U. and will gradually open up and integrate the respective markets, strengthen cooperation and offer new opportunities for industry, including airlines and consumers.

The agreement will offer more travel opportunities, more direct connection flights and economic benefits for both sides.

The EU is the most important aviation market for Israel, accounting for 57% of scheduled international air passenger movements to and from Israel. Similarly, Israel is one of the most important aviation markets for the EU in the Middle-East with a strong growth potential.

The EU-Israel air transport market will be opened gradually so that by the start of the summer season in 2017, the market would be fully open with no restrictions on the number of weekly flights between Israel and the EU.

The agreement will allow companies from anywhere in the EU to fly directly to the Israel and vice versa with a gradual restriction on the number of weekly flights.

It also means that Israeli airlines will start observing EU regulations and standards in aviation safety, environment, consumer protection, including the rights of passengers, air traffic management, economic regulation, competition issues, and social aspects.

EU Commissioner for Transport Siim Kallas said that "The comprehensive aviation agreement reached in Tel Aviv today is very important for further strengthening the overall economic, trade and tourism relations between Israel and the EU,"